Northern Vietnam faces heavy rain, flood risk as tropical system nears East Sea

From the night of 22 July through 25 July 2026, the National Weather Forecast Center warned of a widespread heavy‑rain episode across Vietnam’s northern region. The heaviest precipitation is expected in the provinces of Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Sơn La, Điện Biên, Tuyên Quang and Thái Nguyên, with average totals of 70‑150 mm and localized peaks of 250‑300 mm. Authorities have issued flash‑flood and landslide alerts, advising residents to stay alert for sudden water‑rise, mudflows and strong gusts accompanying thunderstorms.

In parallel, a low‑pressure area east of the Philippines is forecast to strengthen into a tropical depression and possibly a tropical storm (the region’s second numbered storm of 2026). Modelling shows the system moving west‑northwest toward the East Sea (Biển Đông), potentially attaining gale‑force winds (up to 60‑74 km/h) and generating 2‑4 m seas by 25‑26 July. Maritime agencies have warned of hazardous conditions for vessels operating near the northern part of the East Sea.

The national disaster‑prevention command has directed fifteen northern provinces and cities—including Hanoi, Haiphong and Quảng Ninh—to mobilise resources, conduct evacuations from flood‑prone zones, and secure infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels and small hydro‑electric facilities.